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Well, well… it’s that time again!! Who else is ready for a new One Thimble issue?? I know I am! This issue is coming at a super busy time but I can never pass up the chance to share what an amazing E-zine the fabulous folks at One Thimble put out.

Since we are planning for a quickly approaching trip to Disney, what better pattern to try out than these super fun Fabric Wrap Bracelets from new contributor Sarah, with Pattern Revolution. First off, i’m thrilled to see Sarah featured in this issue. She works so hard over at Pattern Revolution behind the scenes that it’s awesome to see her getting a bit of recognition (and I hope having fun!) with a new pattern.

I started with just this one quick bracelet with some scraps I had to test things out. Then I made a second… and a third… and I probably shouldn’t admit how many I have waiting for more metal rings, haha!

This is the perfect scrap buster. I know for me, the scraps I keep are the ones i’m most attached to. What better way to use them up than on something that I can admire all day.

Since they are such a quick project I can also tell you what all our teachers are likely to find in their stockings from my kids this year. I’m thrilled to have a trendy, personable gift that I can make for everyone.

Now, it’s possible this one pattern might not be enough to push you over the edge to pick up this issue but just take a look at the rest of our blog tour. There are so many great patterns and articles to check out. At less than a few dollars per pattern it’s one of the best pattern deals around! I promise, you will be hooked after your first issue!

Who’s ready to check out a new issue of One Thimble?? I’m super excited to be sharing a few of the patterns available in Issue 16, they are so much fun! This usually goes without saying but staff at One Thimble and contributors have nailed it again, I want to make pretty much everything in this issue!! Now who has a magic potion for making more time???? (Please note: Affiliate links are used in this post. If you choose to purchase a product that i’ve shared I will receive a small compensation that contributes to my sewing fund so that I can keep sharing!)

To give you a little peek into this issue I made the Scuttle Shorts and Triton Singlet both by Ainslee Fox. With school back in session, we need comfy, easy everyday wear, and these seemed like the perfect option.

The Triton Singlet is a looser, relaxed fit tank, designed with a slightly shorter front. The pattern markings show you exactly where to make adjustments if you’d prefer a longer style but we really loved the fit just as is. I also secretly love this because it’s perfect for boys too, if you know anything about me you know I love patterns that both kids can benefit from!

Quick tangent… can you even stand the cuteness of these frenchies???? This fabric is from Piccadilly Textiles and is gorgeous! If you haven’t ever worked with really amazing quality cotton lycra you need to give this a try, plus those pups! haha!

The Scuttle Shorts have 2 length options; shorty, which you see pictured here, and jamaica length, which is slightly longer. They can also be made with a plain front or with the pockets, and with two options for the waistband (which i’m sorry!! i just realized I didn’t get a pic to share!) The pattern cover inspired me to use this french terry and I really love how all you need to do is turn it inside out on the pockets for built in contrasting fabric.

Just a tip… if you like both of these patterns, you should really buy the whole e-zine! For just a few more dollars (vs buying individually) you will receive TEN patterns!! Plus even more tutorials and tons of amazing content! Want to see more from this issue?? Check out all the other stops on the blog tour!

If you follow me at all you’ll notice that this year is the year of rompers. Ry has been loving them (doesn’t happen often) so I’m gonna keep ’em coming! Haha!

I’ve mashed up a few on my own but this one here, is a new pattern from one of my favorites! Elliedactyl Designs knocked it out of the of park again with the Carter. The pattern includes directions/pieces for both a dress or romper with multiple strap options.

I chose the quick (read: lazy) route of just utilizing fold over elastic for straps. I mean seriously it does not get any simpler!

There’s no binding to fight with, the bodice is partially lined, providing just a bit of extra coverage for any fabrics that are lighter weight and the elastic waist casing is so simple to follow.

If you hurry you may have a few more days to get it 25% off with the code CARTER (which also takes a discount off your ENTIRE cart so while you’re there stockup, all of her patterns are amazing!)

Fabric for this one is courtesy is The Fabric Cottage, it will be available for preorder through 6/16. And if you miss it, keep your fingers crossed for more retail when the order arrives later this summer.

I know you’re all here for the inspiration, the patterns and the fabrics but I’m hoping I can pass along another bit of wisdom when it comes to kids and their preferences, traching our kids confidence and being able to listen to what they want (and not just hear what we want to hear them say).

For a long time my daughter was so proud of anything and everything I made for her. She would stand tall and be thrilled to tell anyone that complimented her “thanks! My mom made it!” All it took was ONE comment from someone making fun of an outfit she had on that was “homemade” and that was it, suddenly all the beautiful things hanging in the closet weren’t cool enough for her to wear to school anymore.

Elliedactyl Designs 10k Pants
Up until that point, I felt like i’d been doing a great job at instilling independent thinking and confidence, but when it took such a little thing to crush those feelings I felt like I must have failed somewhere. Since then, we’ve talked a lot about being and loving who we are and I’ve stressed the importance of being your own person, and loving what SHE wants to love, not just what everyone else at school loves. I admit, it’s getting better, but it also means I have had to be more open to truly letting her wear (and making) what she wants, not what I want her to want. I’ve really had to listen, and while that can be a struggle, its really helping her to gain the voice that I want her to have.

And some days I get…. well, not as cute but its her, and its what she loves. (And not always Handmade, which is ok too)

Sorry to get all sappy on you today, I just really wanted to share that while we can try our best to make things they will love, we sometimes have to teach them its ok to love what they want, even when other kids may have a different opinion. So enough of my blabbering…. How about today’s stops on our blog?? Is a big day today! On our lineup today we have-

I am so blown away by the response we have had so far!! Thank you all for following along this week while we share our inspiration and tips/tricks for keeping our older kiddos wearing and loving handmade items.

If you’re just joining us be sure to go back over the last few days to get caught up. You definitely don’t want to miss entering our giveaways!! The linkup is looking great, you can keep adding to that until tomorrow night (4/20)!!

Don’t have an item to link up, no worries! You can enter HERE for the other prize pack!

Welcome to day 2 of our tour! It’s been so fun to read all the comments shared about what challenges you face or what tips you might have when it comes to sewing for your older kiddos. One of the things I saw mentioned a few times was finding fabrics at a reasonable cost, or not being able to see/feel them ahead of time because you’re having to order online. Trust me, I face those same things! I do have some secrets to share though…

I’ll admit, I miss being able to make some of the cute character things for her, i’m in SO many custom fabric groups that it’s really tempting. Ultimately what she wants, is fabrics that are going to blend into the background; prints that looks most like those we could buy at a store. Fabrics like this beautiful plaid from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This is one of their Club fabrics, essentially one that is designed for them and then printed in house. For those that don’t have a touch and feel computer screen it is SO SOFT!! Even better, they are afforable! At roughly $10-12 a yard I don’t feel super guilty making items that I know will get worn on a regular basis.

That bring us to the next thing… patterns that are “approved” by the boss for every day wear. Lately she has been designing her own patterns… meaning she draws it out and expects me to translate that into something I can make, HAHA! Often there are some patterns that I can make minor changes to or combine to get just what she wants. Here is her latest design

Camden Raglan – Harry Potter is definitely an exception to the no character rule!!

Another favorite, is just about anything athletic related. So while I picked up the New Horizons 11th Hour Gear to use for my little guy, Ry has also decided she LOVES the pants!

Want a chance to win ALL the patterns I mentioned, PLUS giftcards for fabric to make them??? Dont miss out on our awesome giveaway!! You can enter HERE! Huge thank you to all our sponsors, these prizes are really impressive!!!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog stop on the Riley Blake Goldilocks tour! If you missed the original post you can take a look here.

I really loved hearing about what your favorites were from both Riley Blake and The Simple Life Pattern Co. and if you were inspired to try a new pattern I’d love to see what you create! If you share on IG please feel free to tag me @beribeedesigns or #beribeeblog and so I can check it out!

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for… we have a winner for the pattern of your choice!

Congrats Fenna!! I’ve sent you an email also so be thinking about what pattern you’d like!

I recently had an opportunity to sew up a few versions of the 11th Hour Gear pattern from New Horizons for Pattern Revolution. Since I had such a hard time picking from the 100’s of photos I took I thought I’d share a few here also!

Think he’s excited??

For Reid’s top I used the softest, most cozy french terry from Jumping June Textiles. Of course after I make this we start having 60/70 degree weather in February haha!

He’s a big fan of pockets! I really love this hidden pocket, its such a great look. And how cute are these joggers? They actually go full length but his sister thought he looked cool with them pulled up, haha! For the joggers (and the pocket) I used one of my favorite fabrics, these stars from TKBPrints, they seriously go with everything!

The 11th Hour pattern actually comes with TWO pants patterns, so I also made this pair of sweats for Ryleigh. We’ve hit an athletic phase where i’m fairly certain if she could wear activewear every day she would, so I suppose its time to stock up more french terry. This heathered blue I picked up at Joann Fabrics. She’s worn them I think 3 times since I finished so i’m going to say she approves, haha.

Look for a minute they even love each other!

Who loves their 11th Hour Gear???

This pattern boasts so many options I couldn’t get them all made myself but check out today’s post on Pattern Revolution for more!

I have a confession to make… running a series through the summer has proved so much harder than I thought! Between camps, sports, vacations and just summer fun, we are a tad behind. I truly hope you are all sticking with us because there is still so much Ry wants to learn and I’m excited to be able to share with you everyone.

This week she asked if she could learn how to use a rotary cutter. So while we may not be sewing this week, I can’t tell you the last time I cut out a pattern with scissors. She sees that and want who am I to say no to her wanting to learn more?

A few things I noticed that would make this lesson easier and I do think that i’ll invest in a few more tools to help her. Starting with a smaller ruler would be best. The ones I use most often are 24″ and I think it was a bit much for her to hold in place easily.

We talked ALOT about safety, where to place your hand on the ruler and how to hold the cutter. This was a bit of a challenge since Ry is left handed and i’m right handed but that’s the one nice part about using a rotary cutter is its universal. The second item I think we will be adding at our next shopping trip is a ruler grip. I think that would be a fabulous tool for a young learner and the perfect way to help keep fingers out of the blades path.

She cut LOTS and LOTS of strips, of all different widths. I think next week I’ll let her work on cutting along pattern lines instead of the ruler and then she has a sewing project in mind.

Next week we are back to sewing with a cool back to school project and tutorial!! See you then!!